Additional information
by Rita Jahanforuz (Author), Vali Mintzi (Illustrator)
"... a heartwarming vindication of good-heartedness, something that doesn't always get celebrated in a girlhood culture of snark" - The New York Times Young Shiraz lives a lonely life with her stepmother and stepsister, completely unaware of the old woman who lives alone next door...until Shiraz's runaway yarn ball brings them face-to-face. This beautiful story from Tehran-born Israeli pop star Rita Jahanforuz explores the power of listening to others and the value of empathy.
Author Biography
Rita Jahanforuz is a well-known and highly respected singer in Israel. She was born in Tehran and her family emigrated in 1970, when she was eight years old. She never forgot her Persian origins and childhood memories in which she finds inspiration.
Vali Mintzi was born in Romania and studied at the prestigious Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. She works as an illustrator and graphic editor for the children's art magazine Einayim. In 2012 she was awarded The Israel Museum Ben-Yitzhak Award for the Illustration of a Children's Book. Her vibrant and evocative style is influenced by painters such as Bonnard, Hockney and Matisse. She has also illustrated The Girl with a Brave Heart for Barefoot Books.
